Why an African Safari Is Truly a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: A Snapshot of My Safari Experience
This blog post has been years in the making. There are trips you enjoy… and then there are trips that stay with you forever.
For me, going on safari was one of those rare travel experiences that completely changes the way you see the world.
Two years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve and stay at Madikwe Safari Lodge. We stayed in the Lelapa Camp. It was a large group trip with my husband’s family, which made the experience even more special and I am so lucky to have been a part of this adventure. Being able to share something so extraordinary with family—watching wildlife together, recounting sightings over dinner, and waking up before sunrise (most of us) for another adventure—made the memories even richer.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a safari lives up to the hype, I can confidently say: it absolutely does.
The Magic of Safari Life at Madikwe
We traveled in July, which is winter in South Africa—and in many ways, the perfect time to go. The mornings were crisp and cool (perfect for coffee and blankets on the safari vehicle), while afternoons warmed up beautifully under the African sun.
The rhythm of safari life is something truly special.
Each day followed a gentle, exciting flow:
Early morning safari drive as the sun rises and animals begin moving
Breakfast back at the lodge overlooking the savannah
Time to relax, swim, or enjoy the spa
Afternoon safari drive when wildlife becomes active again
Dinner under the stars with incredible food, African traditions and storytelling from the day
At Madikwe Safari Lodge, guests stay in their own private luxury suites—beautiful standalone villas designed to blend into the landscape. Each suite includes:
A private viewing deck overlooking the savannah
A small plunge pool
A stunning outdoor shower
Spacious interiors that feel both luxurious and connected to nature
The lodge itself also features a spa and a gorgeous pool overlooking a savannah waterhole, where animals often stop by to drink. Imagine relaxing by the pool and suddenly spotting elephants or zebras nearby—this kind of magic happens more often than you’d think.
Wildlife Encounters You Never Forget
Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is something no zoo or wildlife park can replicate. During our safari drives, we were lucky enough to see an incredible variety of animals, including:
Giraffes gracefully crossing the plains
Cheetahs moving silently through tall grass
Massive elephants walking calmly past our vehicle
Rhinos grazing peacefully (or fighting… this was the real wild)
Zebras in large, striking herds
Beautiful lions resting in the sun
And of course, the adorable small antelope that dot the savannah—likely impalas, which are everywhere and impossibly cute.
Every safari drive feels different. You never know what you might encounter, and that sense of anticipation makes each outing thrilling.
From Safari to the Indian Ocean
Since we had traveled all the way across the world, we decided to extend the trip with a few days in Mauritius, staying at LUX* Grand Gaube.
The contrast between the two experiences was incredible.
One moment you’re watching lions in the African bush.
The next, you’re relaxing on a pristine beach in the Indian Ocean.
Mauritius is the perfect place to unwind after safari. At LUX* Grand Gaube, we enjoyed:
Beautiful tropical beaches
Exceptional food and restaurants
A laid-back luxury atmosphere perfect for relaxing
Stunning ocean views everywhere you look
For travelers who like a bit of adventure mixed with relaxation, the island also offers fantastic hiking and nature experiences in its lush interior.
A Mini London Adventure Along the Way
To make the journey even more memorable, my husband and I flew British Airways, which gave us a 12-hour layover in London both directions.
Instead of staying in the airport, we turned those layovers into mini adventures—exploring the city, walking along the Thames, grabbing great food, and soaking up a little London culture before continuing our trip. These mini trips made us fall in love with London and we returned 2 months later for an extended stay.
It was the perfect way to bookend the entire journey.
Why Going on a Safari Is So Special
What makes a safari truly unforgettable isn’t just the animals—it’s the sense of connection to the natural world.
There is something powerful about:
Watching the sun rise over the savannah
Hearing distant lions at night
Seeing wildlife move freely through their natural habitat
Sharing those moments with the people you love
Safari travel also slows you down in the best possible way. Your days revolve around nature’s rhythms, not schedules or notifications.
It’s immersive, awe-inspiring, and deeply grounding.
A Journey I Recommend to Everyone
I often describe going on a safari as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the truth is many people who go once immediately start dreaming about returning.
It’s one of those rare trips that combines adventure, luxury, wildlife, and meaningful connection all in one journey.
And if you can pair it with a beach destination like Mauritius—and maybe even a city stop like London—it becomes a trip that truly feels epic from start to finish.
For me, it was unforgettable. And it’s an experience I would recommend to absolutely anyone who loves travel.